As a producer of biodiesel from locally collected used fryer oil, I often post at the Biodiesel Infopop forum.
Recently, I started a thread about the trend toward sophisticated diesel emissions systems that ironically, and unfortunately, make it harder to run this cleaner-burning fuel (in the name of lower emissions!).
In that thread, poster keelec put out an awesome call to action:
As far as cars...
We now have a President Elect that at least supported biodiesel while out on the campaign trail.
And a current congress that has a weak majority in the party of the President Elect that claimed to support biodiesel.
And a future congress with a strong majority in his party.
And....
We have 3 HUGE Auto manufacturers who are now headed back to Washington DC to beg for a $25,000,000,000.00 loan.
Talk to your congressmen.
Write to your congressmen.
Tell them what you want for bio fuel support.
I sent this note to my congressmen...
Please follow below the fold...
Upcoming "loan" to Big 3 Automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler).
I believe that it is important to protect our US Auto Industry, even if it does involve loans, or even grants.
However, I also believe that it is a 2-way street.
As a country, we need to look at several issues that are important to the country as a whole.
* Fuel Efficient Vehicles.
Ford, for example, makes and sells the Ford Fiesta Econetic Diesel which gets 63 mpg in Europe, but won't bring it to the USA.
Ford also makes pickups that get 40+ MPG in Brazil and South Africa (Courier/Bantam), but won't bring them to the USA.
Ford makes a small delivery/utility vehicle for the European market (Ford Escort Express) that gets 40 MPG.
Yet, the average vehicle sold in the USA gets under 30 MPG, and many under 20 MPG.
* Electric Vehicles should be re-introduced.
** Ford Ranger Electric (Lead Acid & Lithium Ion/NMH). Already was made, should be reintroduced.
** Chevy S10 Electric (Lead Acid & Lithium Ion/NMH). Already was made, should be reintroduced.
** Chevy/Saturn EV1 & Volt – Needs to be introduced, and priced as an affordable vehicle.
* All gasoline vehicles should be E85 Compatable.
* 100% Ethanol (E100) vehicles should be researched.
* Small Diesel vehicles need to be reintroduced.
** For example, encourage Dodge to try a Dakota Cummins 4BT, or Ford to reintroduce the Ford Ranger with Mazda Diesel.
* Companies should research/develop vehicles capable of using 100% Biodiesel (B100). Most "Older" diesels are capable of doing this, but apparently the newer ones have a problem with the post injection system.
* Research with other alternative fuels (Butanol, etc).
* What happened to the Hydraulic Hybrid. Lots of past rumors, including promises that Ford was to introduce it in their pickups. Nothing new.
* We need more Aluminum in vehicles, and make vehicles lighter. For example, many of the 2008 pickups are a full TON heavier than their 1980 counterparts.
* Rather than invalidating warranties for consumers who wish to use 100% biodiesel (B100), or other alternative fuels, the companies need to setup an experimental program that consumers can register for which would extend testing to "real-world" testing.
* Research into multifuel Diesels, and use of straight vegetable oil (SVO/WVO), probably with a two-tank system and a starter fuel.
Part of what needs to be done is rather than writing a blank check for 25 Billion Dollars, to set up an oversight commission for the distribution of the funds to Ford/GM/Chrysler. But, also work with the EPA, DOT, The Big 3, and some environmental groups/alternative energy groups to come up with solutions. And, to simplify EPA/DOT restrictions on vehicles like Diesels so that a Smart Car or small pickup would be judged on the same criteria as the full sized pickups.
We also need to start merging US EPA/DOT standards with the international UNECE standards.
Anyway, some Research and Development programs may not be popular for loans, so I would consider a combination of both grants and loans, designed to direct vehicles towards energy independence, and lower overall emissions.
Thank You,
And followed it with a similar note to Obama.
There is currently legislation about loans & grants to Ford, GM, Chrysler, as well as a host of other companies.
I would encourage tying this to "responsible" industry and environmental practices, including requiring research and development in Fuel Efficient Vehicles and the use of "Alternative Fuels".
But, it is more complicated than that.
I would encourage creating an advisory team that would do a number of things including independent research, as well as acting as a liaison between various government agencies and the Automotive industry, and alternative energy groups and research.
* Oversee the incorporation of new technologies
* Require the "Big 3" to re-introduce the previous electric vehicles (EV1, Volt, Electric Ranger, Electric S10) as soon as possible.
* Make Affordable Vehicles.
* Make Energy Efficient Vehicles, including bringing in smaller vehicles from European Asian, South African, and Brazil Markets (Ford for example has many small vehicles it makes around the world that are not available in the USA).
* Merge US EPA/DOT requirements with the international UNECE requirements. This will make it easier for US to export vehicles and give more choice to US Consumers.
* Incorporate E85 compatibility in ALL new gasoline vehicles.
* Research use of 100% Biodiesel (B100) in All new Diesel Vehicles.
* Reintroduce small Diesel pickups. For example a Cummins 4BT based Dakota, or a Mazda Diesel based Ford Ranger.
* Incorporate more Aluminum in vehicles.
Part of this will also mean a liaison between the "Big 3", EPA, DOT, UNECE, and various environmental groups, and probably other manufacturers too.
And, while loans (with strings attached) may be good for some things, one might also consider grants for certain types of research.
And, don't forget the "little guys"
For example, if the "Big 3" get 25 Billion Dollars.
What about startup companies like Aptera.
http://www.aptera.com/
Or even work with foreign startup companies like Loremo
http://evolution.loremo.com/
Maybe donate some US Government funds to the X-Prize Fuel Efficiency.
http://www.xprize.org/...
Finally, as a reminder of what the car companies are, check that, were capable of a DECADE ago, consider revisiting these blasts from the past: The Hybrid Car You Never Hear About, Pt 1 and Pt 2. Recyclable components? Check. Low cost to consumer? Check. Sleek body lines? Check. Over 70 MPG? Check. Plug-in capable? Check. Ability to run on alternative fuel? Check. Tested and tinkered with for years? Check. Accessible to you and me? ... {crickets}